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Mike in MD's avatar

I doubt Golden challenges Collins for personal as well as political reasons: she first brought him into government by hiring him to the staff of the Homeland Security Committee.

That aside, while he'd likely be a strong statewide candidate provided he can make it through the primary (which may require two or more liberal candidates splitting the vote), I'd prefer it if he stays where he is. While he's not the only Dem who can hold that seat--particularly if the next couple of elections prove to be blue waves or close to it--he sure makes it easier, and he's certainly not the only one capable of winning statewide, at least in an open seat race (not sure if anyone can defeat Collins unless a right wing third party candidate siphons off a significant share of her vote, and even then RCV might save her). It isn't just him or a stereotypical "Portland liberal" (as if that's a bad thing?)

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Toiler On the Sea's avatar

Completely agree. I think we have like a 40/60 shot at best of holding that seat if he left. Best for him and for us if he just stays put.

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ArcticStones's avatar

Yes, Jared Golden is a good fit for ME-02. Theriault was probably as good a candidate as the GOP could muster, and this was a challenging election for Dems. Very good that Golden survived, if by the skin of his teeth.

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